Forced premature detonation of improvised explosive devices via radiated electromagnetic energy

Abstract

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated electromagnetic energy signals. Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating electromagnetic energy signals from a stationary or mobile platform to a stationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by electromagnetic energy sources will receive the radiated electromagnetic energy signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

1 . An IED defense system for forcing premature detonation of IEDs having a triggering mechanism responsive to electromagnetic energy signals, the IED defense system comprising:
 one or more directed electromagnetic energy platforms including energy transmitters for radiating electromagnetic energy signals; and   one or more controllers for activating the platforms to radiate electromagnetic energy signals within a zone defining an IED detonation zone, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs having a triggering mechanism responsive to electromagnetic energy signals within the IED detonation zone.   
   
   
       2 . The IED defense system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the platforms are adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy signals defining high intensity light beams. 
   
   
       3 . The IED defense system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the platforms are adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy signals defining light beams arranged in a geographic pattern simulating vehicle headlights. 
   
   
       4 . The IED defense system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the platforms are adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy signals defining infrared energy signals. 
   
   
       5 . The IED defense system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more reflectors adapted to receive and reflect the electromagnetic energy signals radiated within the IED detonation zone. 
   
   
       6 . The IED defense system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the platforms define stationary platforms adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy signals within a geographic zone defining a stationary IED detonation zone. 
   
   
       7 - 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . The IED defense system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more controllers include a system controller for activating a plurality of platforms to radiate electromagnetic energy signals within the IED detonation zone. 
   
   
       12 . The IED defense system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more controllers defines an independent controllers for independently activating a corresponding at least one platform to radiate electromagnetic energy signals within the IED detonation zone. 
   
   
       13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . A method for implementing an IED defense system comprising:
 deploying one or more stationary platforms about a designated geographic area defining a stationary IED detonation zone, the stationary platforms including energy transmitters for radiating electromagnetic energy signals within the stationary IED detonation zone; and   activating the platforms to radiate electromagnetic energy signals within the stationary IED detonation zone, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs having a triggering mechanism responsive to electromagnetic energy signals within the stationary IED detonation zone.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 deploying one or more stationary reflectors adapted to receive and reflect the electromagnetic energy signals radiated within the stationary IED detonation zone.   
   
   
       16 - 17 . (canceled)